Get Ready for Hiking Season: Tips and Tricks to be Spring-Ready
When warmer weather comes knocking at your door, you want to be ready to meet it. That’s why you need to take steps to get out of your cozy blanket before the last snow melts.
Preparing for spring doesn’t have to be troublesome. You need to get your gear ready before the season starts. It can be a challenge to find your equipment without having to look all over the house. However, knowing which items are necessary for your upcoming trips can make any adventure possible.
So, how do you prepare for a spring hike?
Know How to Layer
When planning your outfit, you need to understand how to pile on the right kind of clothes for any condition.
When choosing your apparel, you need to consider the layers. For instance, base layers should be breathable and have moisture-wicking capabilities. If possible, avoid cotton. Although it’s comfortable to wear, once it comes wet, it stays that way. We know that wet clothes can lead to chafing, blisters, or even hypothermia.
Wear waterproof or moisture-wicking pants. Because of the thawing snow, trails are likely to be muddy. Thus, it’s essential to be ready for a wetter environment than risk getting soaked and cold during the hike.
To know how you should dress for your spring hike, the best thing to do is monitor the weather forecast. Also pack extra base layers, hiking socks, and rain gear.
Footwear Matters
While you’re at it, pay attention to your footwear. Make sure to wear boots that are comfortable and waterproof. Springtime terrain is likely to be muddy with occasional snow patches, so wear something that can shield you from these conditions.
If you’re expecting to walk through some snow patches, pack a portable snow shovel or ice ax. You also need to pay attention if your footwear has an aggressive tread that allows better footing on snow. If it doesn’t, consider packing crampons or traction cleats.
Gear Up
After prepping your outfit, you need to pay attention to the gear and equipment that you’re bringing to the trail. A lot of mishaps and issues can happen, and you don’t want to be left in the middle of nowhere scraped up or with a twisted ankle.
While bringing a GPS unit is awesome, you need to have an alternative in case you run out of batteries. Therefore, make it a habit to carry a map and compass as well. It’s also a good idea to pack items such as a pocket knife (or a multi-tool), fire starters, whistle, carabiners, headlamp, and additional survival ropes or paracord.
Aside from the usual hiking tools, it’s always good practice to bring a first aid kit with you. It should have enough adhesives and cleansing wipes to patch up any wounds. Your kit should also have some insect repellant, sting relief wipes or anti-itch creams, or an Epi-pen. Warmer weather also brings insects and plant growth, so it’s best to have your bases covered and be ready for anything.
Pile on Snacks and Drinks
When you hike, you shed both sweat and energy. Thus, you need to pack some ready-to-eat snacks for a quick energy boost. Also, keep some energy bars within reach.
Bring a full water bottle or hydration pack to quench your thirst and replenish your body fluids. Also, consider packing as much water as you can comfortably carry. It’s better to have too much water in your pack than too little.
We hope that these tips help you prepare for your next outdoor trip. Share your 2020 spring hike destination in the comment section below.
Preparing for spring doesn’t have to be troublesome. You need to get your gear ready before the season starts. It can be a challenge to find your equipment without having to look all over the house. However, knowing which items are necessary for your upcoming trips can make any adventure possible.
So, how do you prepare for a spring hike?
Know How to Layer
When planning your outfit, you need to understand how to pile on the right kind of clothes for any condition.
When choosing your apparel, you need to consider the layers. For instance, base layers should be breathable and have moisture-wicking capabilities. If possible, avoid cotton. Although it’s comfortable to wear, once it comes wet, it stays that way. We know that wet clothes can lead to chafing, blisters, or even hypothermia.
Wear waterproof or moisture-wicking pants. Because of the thawing snow, trails are likely to be muddy. Thus, it’s essential to be ready for a wetter environment than risk getting soaked and cold during the hike.
To know how you should dress for your spring hike, the best thing to do is monitor the weather forecast. Also pack extra base layers, hiking socks, and rain gear.
Footwear Matters
While you’re at it, pay attention to your footwear. Make sure to wear boots that are comfortable and waterproof. Springtime terrain is likely to be muddy with occasional snow patches, so wear something that can shield you from these conditions.
If you’re expecting to walk through some snow patches, pack a portable snow shovel or ice ax. You also need to pay attention if your footwear has an aggressive tread that allows better footing on snow. If it doesn’t, consider packing crampons or traction cleats.
Gear Up
After prepping your outfit, you need to pay attention to the gear and equipment that you’re bringing to the trail. A lot of mishaps and issues can happen, and you don’t want to be left in the middle of nowhere scraped up or with a twisted ankle.
While bringing a GPS unit is awesome, you need to have an alternative in case you run out of batteries. Therefore, make it a habit to carry a map and compass as well. It’s also a good idea to pack items such as a pocket knife (or a multi-tool), fire starters, whistle, carabiners, headlamp, and additional survival ropes or paracord.
Aside from the usual hiking tools, it’s always good practice to bring a first aid kit with you. It should have enough adhesives and cleansing wipes to patch up any wounds. Your kit should also have some insect repellant, sting relief wipes or anti-itch creams, or an Epi-pen. Warmer weather also brings insects and plant growth, so it’s best to have your bases covered and be ready for anything.
Pile on Snacks and Drinks
When you hike, you shed both sweat and energy. Thus, you need to pack some ready-to-eat snacks for a quick energy boost. Also, keep some energy bars within reach.
Bring a full water bottle or hydration pack to quench your thirst and replenish your body fluids. Also, consider packing as much water as you can comfortably carry. It’s better to have too much water in your pack than too little.
We hope that these tips help you prepare for your next outdoor trip. Share your 2020 spring hike destination in the comment section below.
